This list of places to see in Siena It will help you prepare your trip and not miss anything from one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, which we are sure, will surprise you.
This small town, always in the shadow of its neighbor and older sister Florence, is one of the most essential places to see in Tuscany. Without having the tourist massification of Florence, in it you will be able to know with tranquility its enormous historical and artistic heritage, in which time seems to have stopped in the middle ages.
Based on our experience in the time we spent in this city during our trip to Tuscany in 4 days, we have made a list of what we think, are the 10 essential places to visit in Siena. We start!
1. Piazza del Campo
Piazza del Campo, located in the heart of the historic center, is the icon of the city and one of the most beautiful places to see in Siena. Surrounded by historic buildings such as the Public Palace, this shell-shaped square has its worldwide fame for the celebration of the Palio horse race, a festival of medieval origin, in which each neighborhood of the city competes with a horse and that It is held twice a year, on July 2 and August 16.
The Torre del Mangia, the tallest in Siena, also deserves special mention, from which you will have fantastic views of the square and the entire city, giving you a unique perspective.
Other highlights of the Piazza del Campo are the Cappella della Piazza from the end of the 14th century and the Gaia Fountain of the 14th century, located in the center of the Piazza del Campo.
A great option if it is your first time in the city and you want to know its history is to book this visit with a guide in Spanish that passes through the most interesting places in Siena.
Hours of the Torre del Mangia: every day from 10am to 7pm
Public Palace hours: every day from 10am to 6pm
Piazza del Campo
2. Duomo
The Duomo or Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción, declared a World Heritage Site and considered one of the most beautiful churches in the world, is another of the essential places to visit in Siena. Built between 1215 and 1263, in Italian Gothic style, it is impressive because it is all built in white and greenish marble and inside, by the marble floor with inlays and panels representing biblical episodes.
Also inside you have several works of art such as the magnificent pulpit, the altar and several sculptures of several of the great masters of the time, among which those dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the work of Michelangelo.
Although for us the most special place in the cathedral is the Piccolomini Library, with impressive frescoes on walls and ceiling, which will remind you for a moment of the Sistine Chapel.
The best option to visit the entire cathedral complex of Siena is to book this quick access ticket that includes the cathedral, the baptistery, the crypt, the Piccolomini library, the Museo dell'Opera and the Facciatone (Mirador Panorama) or buy the OPA card Yes Pass
Siena Duomo
3. Panorama Viewpoint
The Facciatone Panorama viewpoint, located next to the cathedral, has the best views of the historic center and is another of the places to see in Siena. This viewpoint is actually a part of the facade of what would be the new cathedral of Siena and that because of an epidemic of plague could not be completed.
To enjoy the views of Siena and the Piazza del Campo, you have to enter through the Opera Museum and climb more than 200 steps down narrow stairs. Keep in mind that in high season, queues can reach one hour, so it is advisable to go first thing.
Visiting hours: every day from 10am to 7pm from March to October, the other months closes at 5:30 p.m.
Mirador Panorama, one of the places to see in Siena
4. The Baptistery
The Baptistery of San Juan, built in Gothic style in 1390, is another of the jewels and places to visit in Siena. The interior is full of art, which highlights its frescoes, covering ceilings and walls, and especially the impressive baptismal font in bronze and marble made by great Renaissance masters such as Donatello or Lorenzho Ghiberti.
Visiting hours: every day from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Siena Baptistery
5. Piazza Salimbeni, one of the places to see in Siena
The small Piazza Salimbeni, located in the old town and surrounded by several historic buildings, is another of the most beautiful corners of Siena. Among the buildings that surround it, the Palazzo Salimbeni is the most important and in which is the central office of the Monte dei Paschi di Siena Bank, a bank with more than 500 years of history.
The other two buildings of this rectangular square are the Palazzo Tantucci and the Palazzo Spannocchi.
Our recommended hotel in SienaWe stayed at the Albergo Chiusarelli hotel, located near the Siena bus station, with parking, a good breakfast and a great quality / price ratio.
6. Basilica of Santo Domingo
The Basilica of Santo Domingo built in the thirteenth century and enlarged in the fourteenth, is another of the essential places to see in Siena.
This huge church of Gothic style and sober aspect, in keeping with the spirit of the mendicant orders, stands out for the various frescoes about the life of Santa Catalina, which can be seen inside, closely linked to this church and Siena, and a tabernacle where the incorrupt head of the Saint is preserved.
Visiting hours: every day from 7 am to 6:30 pm
Basilica of Santo Domingo, one of the places to visit in Siena
7. Santa Barbara Castle
The castle of Santa Barbara is a fortress built by the powerful Medici family in 1563 and in which a public park known as the Lizza is currently located, ideal for running or walking.
Although the appearance makes it one of the places to visit in Siena, are its magnificent views of the entire city with the Duomo, which are the main protagonists in the end.
Views from the Castle of Santa Barbara
8. Piazza del Mercato
Piazza del Mercato, with a central arcade of the 19th century, known as Tartarugone, is one of the most important squares to see in Siena.
Located behind the Public Palace, this huge square is filled with people during the market that is held every Sunday, where all kinds of fresh and quality products are sold. In addition the square has the particularity of being open on one side, which allows to have a good view of the Tuscan countryside.
A good option to try the delicacies and local dishes is to book this gastronomic tour of Siena or this offer that includes the guided tour and the gastronomic tour.
Piazza del Mercato
Recommended travel cardsRemember that in order not to pay commissions and always have the current change we recommend you use the N26 card to pay and the Bnext and Revolut cards to get money at the ATMs. They are the ones we use, They are free and will save you a lot.
You can find more information in this article about the best cards to travel without commissions.
9. Historic center of Siena
Strolling through the cobbled and narrow streets full of shops, restaurants and artisan workshops in the historic center, is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Siena.
Among historic buildings, squares and palaces, are the Bianchi di Sopra streets, which together with the Citta street and the streets around Piazza del Campo, constitute the most interesting area of this ancient medieval city.
Siena Old Town
10. Palazzo Chigi Saracini
The Gothic-style Palazzo Chigi Saracini, built in the 12th century, is another of the most beautiful palaces to visit in Siena. Located on Via di Città, this medieval palace has an original curved facade and a beautiful backyard that is currently home to the Accamedia Musicale Chigiana, one of the most prestigious music schools in the world.
How to get to Siena from Florence or Pisa
To arrive in Siena by plane, it is best to land in Florence, 80 kilometers away, or in Pisa, 130 kilometers away.
If you do not want to rent a car, the best option to get to Siena is to book the train, which takes an hour and a half from the Santa Maria Novella station in Florence, while the train that leaves from Pisa airport takes a little more than two hours.
The two stop at Empoli and leave you at the Siena station, located 2 kilometers from the historic center.
Another good way to get to Siena from Florence is by bus from the SITA bus station, located near Santa Maria Novella, in a journey of just over an hour.
If you are staying in Florence and have only one day, a more comfortable alternative is to book a bus tour with a guide in Spanish that includes Pisa and San Gimignano or this one that includes the Chianti and San Gimignano region, in both you will be picked up at the hotel.
If you want to help us complete the list of 10 essential places to see in Siena, add yours in the comments.
